Okay, so I’ve been meaning to document my Mongolia trip, and “Things to do in Mongolia” is a broad topic, but I’m just gonna dive into what I actually did and what stuck with me. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but hopefully, this gives you some ideas if you’re planning your own adventure.
Getting Started: Ulaanbaatar
First, I flew into Ulaanbaatar, the capital. Honestly, the city itself isn’t the main draw, but it’s a necessary starting point. I spent a couple of days there, just getting my bearings and dealing with the jet lag.
- I visited the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, which was pretty impressive with its huge Buddha statue.
- I wandered around Sukhbaatar Square, the main central square. It’s a good spot for people-watching.
- I ate some traditional Mongolian food. Be prepared for lots of meat and dairy! It’s… hearty.
Heading to the Gobi Desert
The real adventure started when I booked a tour to the Gobi Desert. This is what I was really excited about. It’s not something you can easily do on your own, so a tour is pretty much essential.
My tour involved several days of driving in a rugged, old Russian van. It was bumpy, dusty, and incredibly scenic. We stopped at various points along the way:
- Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): This place is famous for dinosaur fossils. I didn’t find any, but the landscape was unreal – all red and orange rock formations. We walked around, took tons of photos, and just soaked in the views.
- Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes: These are massive sand dunes, some of the biggest in Mongolia. I climbed to the top of one (which was exhausting!), and the view was worth it. You can also ride camels here, which is a classic Gobi experience.
- Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Mouth): This is a narrow gorge in the mountains. Even in the summer, there can be ice at the bottom! We hiked through it, and it was surprisingly cool and refreshing.
Staying with a Nomadic Family
One of the highlights of my trip was staying with a nomadic family in their ger (a traditional Mongolian dwelling).This part felt special to me.
I helped with some of their daily chores, like herding goats (I wasn’t very good at it!).
I learned a little bit about their way of life, which is so different from anything I’d experienced before. We shared meals (more meat!), and even though we couldn’t really communicate verbally, it was a really connecting experience.
Back to Ulaanbaatar (and Beyond)
After the Gobi, I went back to Ulaanbaatar and then took another trip, this time to Terelj National Park. It’s much closer to the city, and it’s known for its beautiful scenery and rock formations.
- I did some hiking, and visited the famous Turtle Rock.
- I stayed in another ger camp, but this one was a bit more “touristy.” Still a cool experience, though.
Final Thoughts
My Mongolia trip was a real adventure. It was challenging at times – the long drives, the basic facilities – but it was also incredibly rewarding.
I saw some amazing landscapes, I met some wonderful people, and I experienced a way of life that’s completely different from my own.
I left Mongolia feeling like I’d really done something, seen something truly unique. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, I highly recommend it.
